Best Splash Pads In And Around Austin

Opening Day is here, and we couldn’t be more excited. And no, I’m not talking about baseball. I am talking about the other game-changer… SPLASH PAD OPENING DAY!

When I hear ‘splash pad,’ my heart smiles, my sunscreen leaps out to play, and I repeatedly thank the genius behind these mini-wonderlands that keep us all from melting in the hot summer months. And lucky for this water-obsessed mother and her two minnows, Austin is chalk-full of dozens of them.

So you may be asking yourself, ‘Well, which one is best for me and my family?’ No worries. Myself and my two trusty sidekicks are here to help. Our entire May – September consists of meeting with Trotting with Tots, walking/running/panting somewhere in or around Austin, and ending at a splash pad. It is fair to say we think we’ve explored them all — the outstanding, the meh, and the ‘Melanie Griffiths’ (stop trying so hard to improve it and just let it be).

Because there are so many stupendous pads to choose from, let’s work our way from the North (including Leander and Cedar Park) to South, shall we?

Here are the Best Splash Pads in and around Austin:

Shade: Not so much. There are 3-4 long tables under canopies, but the splash area itself is completely exposed.

Bathrooms: Just outside the fence

Parking: Ample

Side note(s): This splash area is perfect for little ones. It’s completely fenced in and in the center of the splash area, puddles form so that you can sit and wade in the water on extra hot days. Just be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and brimmed hats. And heads-up, there are water cannons, but luckily they don’t swing far enough to soak innocent spectators.

Shade: Is a hot commodity here. Those that come early claim the shadiest portions of the astroturf. With that being said, if you get there when it opens, you’ll have plenty of shade.

Bathrooms: Yes, and very clean.

Parking: There is a large lot near the entrance, and if that’s full, there is a back-up lot.

Side note(s): Costs a couple bucks for everyone over 3, but it’s well worth the drive for this incredible splash city! And something my inner Country Girl likes? The park still uses an honesty policy for payment. *CASH ONLY*

And if you get sick of splashing around this awesome space (unlikely), there is a train depot nearby that runs on the :15 and :45 of every hour. The commentary on the train is a hoot. The train takes both cash and card and costs a couple bucks.

Shade: Not over the splash site directly, but definitely in the surrounding areas.

Bathrooms: Newly renovated and spacious

Parking: Limited space so it can get a bit crowded, especially on the weekends.

Side note(s): There is a huge lake here (hence the name of the park) in which you can fish and/or rent kayaks to go boating. In addition to the water activities, there are sand volleyball courts, a bocce ball court and a pretty sweet playscape. Lots of pavilions available for rent as well, so there are often parties going on while you’re splashing. The park sits along Brushy Creek Regional Trail, so the scenery is quite breathtaking.

Shade: There are several tables under a large canopy as well as some shade surrounding the pad thanks to the trees, but not much happening over the water features.

Bathrooms: Very close and very clean.

Parking: Street parking only.

Side note(s): The splash pad is in a residential neighborhood, so please be courteous of residents and their mailboxes, driveways, etc. Also, we found the splash pad to be a bit slick last year. This may or may not have been due to excessive amounts of pollen on the ground when we were there. Splash or slip with caution.

Shade: There are large canopies that cover the playscape, but not a whole lot elsewhere.

Bathrooms: Very clean and very close to the splashing and playing area.

Parking: Finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem.

Side note(s): We consider this splash pad a gem because there are often no other people around when we visit here. That could be due to the fact that it’s a bit hard to find. When you enter the park, follow signs to the skate park which is located in the Southern most point of the park. Just past the skaters, you will see large blue canopies and a pair of restrooms. You have found the treasure.

Bathrooms: We have honestly not been back to check them out since the renovation, but they were pretty clean even back in the day.

Parking: The parking lot is brand new, and it will accommodate a lot of patrons.

Side note(s): The playground and park have recently been renovated and there is a super sweet municipal pool nearby. It costs a few bucks, and you’ll need to double check their hours of operation, but it looks to be something worth checking out.

Shade: Large trees surrounding the area, but when you’re in the water, you are glistening in the sun.

Bathrooms: Very near the fun, but be warned that they are often not the most delightful. Let’s just say that they don’t discriminate and are loved by all—people, animal sand bugs alike. Parking: Can be tricky. With a school and hospital nearby, street parking is available, but it is limited.

Side note(s): You will get SOAKED here. Come prepared with a towel and a change of clothes. Dump buckets, waterfalls, ground poppers… Bailey has it all!

Shade: There is a large covered picnic area and a tree-covered playground, but the pad itself is out in the sunshine.

Bathrooms: Last year there was 1 portable toilet for use, and it was quite clean.

Parking: street parking, and being that it’s in a residential area, it is somewhat hard to come by.

Side note(s): With each passing year, the young trees will grow and this park will provide more and more shade. It’s a fairly unknown splash pad, so often it’s not as busy as some of the others. Lots of open space as well, so it’s fun to fly a kite or just plain frolic.

Parking: If you’re lucky enough to get one of the spots at the bottom of the hill, you should buy a lotto ticket. And if you’re like me, prepare to use your parking brake San Francisco-style.

Side note(s): The park has multiple playgrounds and fields. There are loads of stone picnic tables perfect for snacking. Pease Park is located along Shoal Creek Trail which means you can get down to Ladybird Lake from here or travel North on a beautiful dog-filled trail.

Shade: If you want it, Rosewood has it. But if you’d prefer sun, you can find that here too. In my mind, the perfect mix.

Bathrooms: There are two handicap (aka more spacious) port-a-potties super close, or official plumbed-toilets in the community center just up the hill.

Parking: There are two lots so if one is full, venture on over to the other one.

Side note(s): There is hardly ever anyone else here and the amount of water features is spot-on. There are enough squirters that no two kids are fighting, and it isn’t so elaborate that you’re afraid the kiddos (or you) will be overwhelmed.

Bathrooms: Are located in the community center, so please be kind and dry off before wandering in. And if you don’t want to go in there, you can mosey down the hill and use the public restrooms there.

Parking: One large parking lot.

Sidenote(s): This park is located just off the Eastern tip of Ladybird Lake Hike and Bike Trail so if you’re up for a nice jaunt, go check out Longhorn Dam. On Fridays, the community center assembles a FREE lunch to any visiting guest (and it’s always yummy in the tummy).

Side note(s): This splash pad often has a lot of resident kids, but it never feels overcrowded. Be weary when sitting on the South bench, you will get wet. Some human, whether intentional or not, will stand on that one sprayer and POW. Consider this an adequate warning–I’m using this as a reminder for myself as well since I seem to always forget. (Sprayer – 4, Me – 0)

Sidenote(s): This is a popular splash pad because of it’s central location so be prepared to constantly lean in and out to find the location of your child as they hop from watering hole to watering hole. On the upside, because of it’s Central location, there are so many fun places to grab a bite to eat after you’re done playing. Try The Picnic Food Truck Park for a nice variety all in one spot!

Bathrooms: Right next to the splashing, but they tend to need a little TLC. In any case, they get the job done.

Parking: A very small parking lot that fills quickly, however, there is street parking. You may have to walk a block or two, but sometimes that’s OK so you don’t have to deal with the traffic when you are trying to leave.

Side note(s): This splash pad is in the Southern heart of downtown and it is so FUN! It’s not a very well kept secret, so be prepared for a busy pad. And be prepared to get drenched!

Shade: With newly installed canopies and big towering Live Oaks, this park throws some nice shade.

Bathrooms: Adjacent to the playscape and relatively well maintained.

Parking: Plentiful

Side note(s): If you’re looking for a splash pad that won’t leave you wringing out your kid’s clothes, this one if for you! It’s more of an oversized whale/dolphin fountain. Quite a bit of seating nearby so you can watch your minions from the shade, while eating your bonbons. There is also a 1.2 mile loop around the property that is great for scooters or beginning bikers–fairly flat and completely paved.

Bee Cave Galleria Splash Dance (12700 Hill Country Blvd, Bee Cave): Currently under repair so no hours have been posted as of yet.

Shade: Since last year, the wooden arbor has been taken down so the pad is in direct sunlight.

Bathrooms: There are several sets nearby.

Parking: Mall parking, so you may have to walk a bit, but you are sure to find a spot somewhere.

Side note(s): Right next to the splash pad is a library, so you can make two super fun trips in one! New jets were added to the splashing fun, and its a few feet from it’s old location to add more lawn space and seating for us Moms while we socialize and watch out kiddos play in the water. Call for status updates before heading that way: 512-263-0001

About Loren McEllin

Lo is the Founder + Chief Innovation Officer of Trotting with Tots, a local stroller-toting mama tribe. When not scoping out new trails and neighborhoods to explore with the running group, she spends her time cooking up random vegan concoctions, inflicting pain on friends with her waxing skills, putzing around on her Cricut machine, inventing some new house project for her husband, and/or drinking wine while watching the latest episode of Intervention. Lo is married to her very own Magic Mike, whom she met on an airplane, and is lackey Mom to two munchkins (Gage + Gemma), and an allergy-ridden pup (Killian). She loves the color yellow, the sound of high heels on asphalt and gargantuan wind chimes.